Sunday July 8, 2018
By Aiden Graw
www.mknewslink.com
SPORTS
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup ended earlier than he would have wanted with Portugal going out to Uruguay in the last-16.
Since returning home, the Real Madrid superstar has been at the centre of what is potentially one of the most surprising transfers of all time: him switching to Juventus.
Ronaldo’s long-term future in the Spanish capital has often been up for debate. However, there was a growing feeling that this summer he actually would go. After receiving a massive fine for tax evasion before the sudden departure of Zinedine Zidane, it just seemed like as good a time as any for CR7 to pack his bags.
But where would he go? PSG? MLS? Or return to Manchester United? They seemed the best bets. They were until Juventus came out of nowhere anyway.
Reports in Italy, Spain and Portugal (reports pretty much everywhere to be honest) this week have suggested that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is edging closer to a sensational €100m move to the Serie A giants.
Ronaldo, it seems, feels the need for a fresh challenge following nine years at the Bernabeu, during which he has lifted four Champions League titles and scored 450 goals in 438 games to cement his place as one of the greatest – perhaps the greatest – footballer to ever play the game.
Now, Juventus have inadvertently sent rumours into overdrive after the club appeared to post a video on Chinese social media platform Weibo which all but confirmed Ronaldo’s move to Turin.
It’s, of course, since been deleted but it seems fairly conclusive from where we’re sitting, teasing Ronaldo’s arrival by running through previous players to have worn the number 7 shirt for the Bianconeri.
OLIVIER GIROUD SENDS MESSAGE TO THIERRY HENRY BEFORE WORLD CUP SEMI-FINAL AGAINST BELGIUM
Thierry Henry has found himself in somewhat of a moral dilemma
The Arsenal and France legend is rightly considered one of the greatest forwards of his generation, but on Tuesday night he will be coming up against his native country with Belgium.
Thierry Henry is currently working as Roberto Martínez’s assistant manager with Belgium, who will play France in a World Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.
France’s attack is spearheaded by Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, who firmly warned Henry that he’ll “be happy to show Thierry Henry that he chose the wrong camp.”
Giroud made the tongue-in-cheek jibe at Henry with a cheeky smile in his latest press conference in Russia, while speaking to a French journalist.

CHELSEA AND FRANCE FORWARD OLIVIER GIROUD

Henry will undoubtedly remain professional and do everything in his power to ensure that Belgium make it to the first World Cup in their history, but he has found himself in a win-win situation.
Romelu Lukaku could not be in better hands than Henry, who was one of the best finishers of his generation. But he will be up against a very solid defensive wall that comprises Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Samuel Umiti and Lucas Hernnadez.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE UPDATES: ALL THE LATEST FROM ARSENAL, CHELSEA, LIVERPOOL, MANCHESTER UNITED AND EVERY PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS AS DEALS ARE CONFIRMED.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
4.15pm: Jose Mourinho has reportedly launched a stunning swap offer to land Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele.
The 21-year-old has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool, with both sides looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season.
But shock reports in Spain have claimed that their Premier League rivals United are keen to bring Dembele to Old Trafford.
According to Don Balon, a Spanish outlet famous for its outlandish transfer claims, Mourinho is prepared to use Anthony Martial as a makeweight in a swap deal.
3:45pm: Willian has agreed a deal with Barcelona and the two clubs just need to agree on a transfer fee.
Football consultant Ian McGarry said on the latest episode of The Transfer Window Podcast: “Barcelona have satisfied Willian’s contract demands in the discussion with (agent) Kian Joorabchian and the club and it’s now just about agreeing a fee with Chelsea.”
“(Lionel) Messi and (Luis) Suarez have complained to coach Ernesto Valverde that they are weak on the right-hand side and need more creativity, someone who delivers the ball quickly into the centre of the pitch so they can do their thing.
“Barcelona are looking to strengthen because they know Real Madrid are looking to strengthen significantly.
“Willian is the kind of player who will fit in perfectly with the Barcelona squad and the philosophy with how he plays.”
2:30pm: Jurgen Klopp insists Daniel Sturridge can still save his Liverpool career.
Sturridge kicked off his pre-season preparations in style yesterday, scoring twice as Liverpool beat Chester 7-0.
Klopp said: “I saw a lot of good things from Daniel so he needs more of that, he can still impress me.
“I know about his quality. A very positive week, very positive today, he looked really good.”
1:15pm: Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Lorient over a potential deal for France midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.
New Gunners boss Unai Emery is eager to bolster their ranks further and Sky Sports report that a deal for Guendouzi is close.
12:30pm: Everton are eyeing Sweden’s top player at the World Cup – Emil Forsberg.
They would have to splash £25m for the winger as he recently signed a new deal with German club RB Leipzig.
Forsberg, 26, has also been linked with Liverpool while Arsenal are also in the frame.
Forsberg’s reputation has gone up a notch following his performances in Russia this summer.